Map of Shandong

Each square equals one hundred li original: "每方一百里". This refers to the traditional Chinese cartographic method known as "calculating distance by drawing squares," where each grid square represents a fixed physical distance, in this case, approximately 50 kilometers or 31 miles.

Number 91

This woodblock print map of Shandong Province utilizes the "calculating distance by drawing squares" method. The map is covered in a square grid, with the top right corner indicating the scale of one hundred li per square. The map depicts the coastline, islands, rivers, and mountain ranges of the entire Shandong region.

The eastern portion of the map shows the Shandong Peninsula extending northeast into the sea, facing Liaodong across the Bohai Sea to the north. Various levels of administrative units are detailed, including the six Prefectures of Jinan, Qingzhou, Dengzhou, Laizhou, Yanzhou, and Dongchang, along with their subordinate Departments, Counties, Guards, and Posts.

Regarding geographical features, the Grand Canal is visible on the left side of the map, and the famous Mount Tai is illustrated in the center. Waves are depicted along the coastline, and several islands, such as Shamen Island, are marked. The river system is complex, showing the Yellow River as it flowed through Shandong to the sea during this period, along with its tributaries. The map is densely packed with traditional Chinese characters recording the geographical layout of the mid-Ming dynasty.

Major Place Names Labeled on the Map

Prefectural Seats and Departments:

• Jinan Prefecture original: "濟南府". The provincial capital.
• Qingzhou Prefecture original: "青州府".
• Dengzhou Prefecture original: "登州府".
• Laizhou Prefecture original: "萊州府".
• Yanzhou Prefecture original: "兗州府".
• Dongchang Prefecture original: "東昌府".
• Dezhou original: "德州".
• Binzhou original: "濱州".
• Jiaozhou original: "膠州".
• Yizhou original: "沂州".
• Caozhou original: "曹州".
• Linqing Department original: "臨清州". A major commercial hub on the Grand Canal.

Geographical Landmarks:

• Mount Tai original: "泰山". One of the Five Great Mountains of China, considered the most sacred.
• Liaodong original: "遼東". Located across the sea to the northeast.
• Shamen Island original: "沙門島".
• The Grand Canal original: "運河". The vital inland waterway connecting the north and south of China.
• Yellow River original: "黃河". Note that during the Ming dynasty, the river's course was significantly different than it is today.